Poland is demanding a larger role in efforts to end the Ukraine war, arguing that countries closest to Russia face the greatest security risks. Warsaw wants a seat alongside Germany, France and Britain in future talks.
Germany believes talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine could become possible in the coming months. European governments are discussing who could represent them in negotiations as U.S.-led efforts remain stalled.
Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.
Germany is preparing legislation that would require military reservists to take part in training exercises during peacetime. The move is part of plans to expand reserve forces and strengthen military readiness.
German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.
Norway and France have signed the Narvik Agreement, a bilateral defence pact covering mutual military assistance, Arctic cooperation, defence industry ties and participation in French-led nuclear deterrence talks.
Germany has released a new military strategy to counter Russia, focusing on rearmament and stronger forces. The plan highlights air defence, long-range weapons and new technologies to boost readiness.
Germany says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.
NATO has begun moving around 10,000 troops, vehicles and equipment into Germany for its largest military exercise this year. The drills involve forces from 11 countries and are meant to show the alliance’s ability to move quickly across Europe, even as internal tensions grow over Greenland.
The UK has allocated £200 million to prepare its armed forces for possible deployment to Ukraine as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine. The funding will support equipment upgrades and air defence efforts as planning continues for a potential peace agreement.
The UK government has launched Project Nightfall to develop a new ground-launched ballistic missile for Ukraine with a range of more than 500 kilometres. The programme aims to deliver test missiles within 12 months and support long-range strike capability and comes as Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine last week using the Oreshnik system.
Finland’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention has formally taken effect, six months after notification was submitted to the United Nations. The decision allows Finland to plan for the reintroduction of landmines while maintaining its international legal obligations. Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, which also share borders with Russia, have already completed their withdrawal from the treaty.
Germany has approved €50 billion in new spending to modernise its armed forces. The funds will be used to buy equipment and clothing for soldiers, expand missile defence systems such as Arrow 3 and Patriot, and purchase additional Puma infantry fighting vehicles.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.
Switzerland has launched a consultation on a revised security policy strategy, citing a deteriorating security environment in Europe, rising hybrid threats including drone incursions, and growing uncertainty over the future of European defence. The consultation will run until March 31, 2026. Switzerland typically produces a security policy report every four to ten years.
